This place has gone down hill. I last visited this place a few months ago and had such an awful experience that I could've sworn I reviewed it. But some how that review is no longer here. So I'm going to post it again.
I've been coming here for years. When this place first opened and the original owners were still here, I think I came 5-6 times a month. I was addicted. The last few times, I started seeing some changes. I didn't think much of it until I started noticing the food quality going down. That prompted me to do a bit of research and that's when I learned how the original owners, Jeff and Nuit Regular, had a falling out with their (former) partner Monte Wan. Clearly the awfulness that is now Khao San Road has to do with Wan's influence.
First, the service was atrocious. I ordered my usual which was squash fritters and pad gra prao. I noticed there were some new "spice levels". So I asked for Thai spicy. Immediately the waitress gave me this look and asked if I had that level before. Technically I haven't because I haven't had to order a level before. She immediately followed up her question with "because if you find it too spicy we won't fix it for you". WTF. 1) I just wanted it as spicy as it used to be. 2) I don't know how spicy is your "Thai spicy" without trying it first and 3) learn some customer service skills before you work in this industry. In the meantime, STFU bitch.
Now, the food quality has definitely changed. So it's not like the food is so amazing that it can excuse the shit rules and service. I'm reading the recent reviews and I don't know how people are still saying it's amazing. Really?! The squash fritters tasted pre-fried and sitting out for awhile and the pad gra prao was under seasoned. Are they using Thai basil now or something? It's definitely different.
I realize that I must sound like I work for Pai, the Regulars's new place, or I'm affiliated with them or something. Well I don't and I haven't even tried Pai yet. I just found out about it so I look forward to trying it in the near future. I noticed they have pad gra prao on the menu so I can't wait. I know Nuit Regular will make it right.